Perrenoud named first endowed chair in construction management program

At the beginning of 2024, a $2.25 million gift to the College of Engineering helped establish the first endowed faculty position in the college's history and support the new ESI Construction Management Building at Boise State University.

The endowed chair reflects Boise State's mission to making Boise a destination for student-centered transformative learning experiences through new frontiers of innovation that shape the future of our society.

Anthony Perrenoud, an associate professor and chair of construction management, has been named the inaugural William H. McMurren Endowed Chair of Construction Management.

"Dr. Perrenoud is an exceptional leader and scholar and this endowment will allow him the ability to continue his work on scholarship and support him in his role as chair for one of our fastest growing undergraduate programs," College of Engineering Dean JoAnn S. Lighty said. "For nearly half a century, our Construction Management program has educated students with the leadership skills and concepts important to an industry fueling the growth in our state."

Perrenoud, born and raised in Idaho, grew up in a construction family. He spent more than a decade in the industry across Idaho and Arizona as a project manager and consultant before receiving his doctorate in construction management from Arizona State University in 2014.

Perrenoud has served as the chair of the Department of Construction Management since 2022. His research focuses on workforce development, labor management, leadership and project risk management to help advance the construction industry in the state of Idaho.

Perrenoud also serves as a board member for the Architecture, Construction and Engineering Idaho Mentor program which introduces high school students to the many careers within those fields.

Funding for the endowed position is provided by Catherine and Bob Palmer. Catherine Palmer's generous support carries on the legacy of her father, William H. McMurren, a former engineer and chairman of Morrison-Knudsen, who supervised major infrastructure projects in many parts of the world.

"Morrison-Knudsen is a big reason Boise State University has a Construction Management department and we are excited to honor William McMurren and the entire MK family through the support of this endowed position," Perrenoud said. "We are extremely grateful for the generous gift and the McMurren Chair is a true testament to the success of the CM department and its contribution to Idaho's construction industry."

Construction management is one of Boise State's fastest growing undergraduate programs. Over the last five years, the program has had an enrollment increase of over 60 percent, placing it as the ninth-largest undergraduate program at the university. The program also serves as Idaho's only construction management program at a public university.

The Palmer gift supports one of the key pillars - faculty innovation - of Unbridled: The Campaign for Boise State University. It utilizes the Faculty Endowment Matching Program, which is designed to enhance the earnings generated by endowed gifts provided through the generosity of donors.

Endowments are investments that yield extra income for instructors and scholars, usually named after donors or their loved ones. Endowment funds received for the purpose of direct faculty support for endowed chairs, professorships, faculty fellows and faculty scholars are eligible for this match during the campaign.

To learn more about the Unbridled campaign and how to can contribute to student access and success and faculty innovation, visit unbridled.boisestate.edu.

-by Jamie Fink

Share This

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share through Email